Paul Dubois (1827-1905) Venus Of Arles Large Bronze H:82 Cm

Large 19th century bronze sculpture with a beautiful bronze patina bearing on the terrace the signature of the sculptor Paul DUBOIS (1827-1905) and the stamps of the founder Barbedienne & Collas. Elegant antique composition depicting the Venus of Arles carrying the attributes of the apple in her right hand and a mirror handle in her left hand, thus referring to the victory won by the goddess during the Judgment of Paris. She is wearing a bun adorned with a ribbon falling delicately on her shoulders, she has an elongated face with fine features of exquisite purity, almond-shaped eyes and a voluptuous mouth. Partially naked, she is dressed suggestively in a sumptuous large drape, with careful details, extending over her left arm and onto her sandal-clad feet. Very good state of conservation and beautiful patina. Important model measuring 82 cm high x 36 cm wide x 25 cm deep / The base measures: 26.5 cm x 18.5 cm. Paul DUBOIS (1827-1905) Venus of Arles Large Bronze H: 82 cm, born January 18, 1829 in Nogent-sur-Seine After studying law, he was admitted to the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, in the Armand Toussaint's workshop, then he went to Rome. He debuted at the Paris Salon of 1860, exhibiting the Bust of the Countess of B. and A Child. He obtained a medal for his first two statues Saint John the Baptist and Narcissus bathing (1863). Deeply influenced by Italy and Renaissance art, he became a leader of the so-called “Florentine” sculptors. The Duke of Aumale commissioned the equestrian statue of Constable Anne de Montmorency, located in the center of the esplanade leading to the entrance to the Château de Chantilly. Her first successes in the Salon were “Charité”, this young woman who holds her two children in her arms, grouped together in such a natural and happy way. It is also “Military Courage” which owes its inspiration to the greatest sculptors of the Renaissance, the Ghiberti, the Donatello, the Michelangelo, its first successes and its fame. The President of the Academic Society says of him that he is "of the strong and fine breed of Renaissance artists, like them, his beautiful portraits attest, he handles the chisel and the brush with equal happiness, he is of his time and his country, and his time and his country are proud of him.” Main sculptures: in 1865 The Florentine Singer of the 15th century at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, in 1873 Eve nascent at the Petit Palais in Paris, in 1882 Bust of Alexandre Cabanel at the Musée Fabre in Montpellier. His monument to Joan of Arc in Reims and Place Saint-Augustin in Paris also contributes to his fame. In 1873, Dubois was appointed curator of the Luxembourg Museum. In 1878 he succeeded Eugène Guillaume as director of the National School of Fine Arts. In 1865 and 1876, he obtained a medal of honor at the Salon of Fine Arts. He is also decorated with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor and a member of the Academy of Fine Arts. He died in Paris in 1905. The City of Troyes, on October 14, 1905, gave his name to a street which runs along the Petits Jardins.